Everyone knows she was a fighting ship - a picket -
the eyes and ears of the fleet, its first line of defense. Her mission: detect and
destroy.

But she was more than that. Much, much more.

She was many things to many people, but to most of us she was our
home away from home, and ourrefuge in a foreign port.

She took us away from our families and loved ones - off to places
wed only dreamt of - across the big waters.

She showed us Gods majesty, power and love. The awesome power
of a hurricane, the brilliance of a sunrise on a calm sea, the absolute tranquillity of a
sunset, the magnificence of a night filled with stars that reach from one horizon to the
other. She let us know how small we are in the universe.

She taught us respect and discipline - for if you didnt
respect her rules, and discipline yourself to follow them, she would cast you into the
sea. But if you proved worthy, she would protect you from all the elements had to offer.

She took green, untested kids, who knew
nothing of the world outside their towns or neighborhoods, and turned them into men. Men
who could work together and fight together, men who could do their jobs with precision -
and who earned the right to become members of hercrew.She helped us form bonds that will never be broken.

She taught us by example: old sea dogsteaching
young seamen, old officers teaching young ensigns.

She showed us other lands and other peoples. She let us see for
ourselves how lucky we are to be Americans - and to live in a land of freedom. She taught
us Patriotism and Pride. And then she brought us home again.

She came through every enemy engagement untouched. It took the
country she served so wellto finally send her to the bottom. We who served her
trust that Old Glory was dipped as she and her noble sisters were sent to their final
resting places.

May her spirit live on in us. To you, Dear Robbie,rest in
peace. And to those of your crews who no longer remain among us, may you walk her
silent decks on calm seas.

Dedicated to all of the
men who ever served on her by Paul Fruisen, RD3 Korea